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Best-performing 2010 2D-only TVs
David Katzmaier
Senior editor February 25, 2011
Not everybody wants a 3D TV. In fact, some people simply don't want to buy a TV that's 3D-ready. So at the suggestion of a few readers, here's a list of the best-performing TVs I've reviewed that can't handle 3D sources.
Before we go any further, a couple of caveats:
None of these sets is "new"; 2011 models just started shipping, and we haven't reviewed any yet. On the other hand, you can get great deals now on 2010 TVs, and we don't expect any major picture quality improvements this year among 2D-only TVs.
Many 3D-compatible 2010 models deliver better picture quality (in fact only one TV below, the LK PK950 series, made our Best 5 TVs list). That's the nature of the beast: TV makers build 3D into their higher-end TVs, and higher-end TVs usually have better picture quality.
Also, if you are considering waiting for a "2D-only" 2011 TV, it'll probably be a worse performer than 2010 versions below (for example, no 2D-only full-array local-dimming LEDs will ship in 2011). With the addition of 3D to even lower price/features points in manufacturers' lineups, non-3D TVs will be pushed down further toward the entry-level.
That's not a big deal if you just want a lower-end TV, but if you're willing to pay a bit more for a better 2D picture in 2011, it's likely you'll be getting 3D, too--along with the video streaming, a nonmatte screen, etc. For better or for worse, TV makers don't put their best picture quality into stripped-down models.
So without further ado, here are the six best-performing 2D-only models I reviewed last year, in order of overall picture quality from left to right. If you're boycotting 3D and want a premium picture, you won't do much better.
| Product name | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,851.99 | Check Prices | Check Prices | $1,417.53 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||
| Average user rating | ||||
| Release date | March 15, 2010 | August 15, 2010 | April 01, 2010 | April 15, 2010 |
| The Bottom Line | Panasonic's TC-PG20/25 series offers a highly tempting mix of features, value, and initial picture quality, but long-term black-level performance is still an open question. | The Vizio XVT3SV series' excellent picture quality, thoughtful design, scads of features, and reasonable price combine to make it the best value among high-end LED-based LCD TVs today. | With the excellent picture quality of the local-dimming LE8500, LG challenges other LCD makers for videophile appeal. | Though it's not without its performance gaffes, the midrange Panasonic TC-PS2 series of plasma TVs still offers very good image quality for the price. |
| Features | ||||
| Surround mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Addtional features | THX certified On/off timer JPEG photo playback VIERA Cast x.v.Color AVCHD movie playback 3D Color Management MPEG2 movie playback Anti-reflective filter Game mode VIERA Tools Pixel Orbiter Infinite Black Panel Deep Color VIERA Link VIERA Image Viewer | SRS TruVolume | Invisible Speaker System 2-way speaker system | JPEG photo playback x.v.Color 3D Color Management Anti-reflective filter Game mode |
| Input/Output connections | 2 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Rear 1 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Side 1 x Composite video input (RCA phono) - Rear 1 x Composite video input (RCA phono) - Side 1 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear 1 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Side 1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Side 2 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) 2 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) 1 x Digital audio output (optical) (TOSLINK) USB (4 pin USB Type A) 1 x Network (RJ-45) Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) | 5 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) 1 x Antenna (F connector) - Rear 1 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear 1 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear 1 x Audio input (RCA phono x 2) - Rear 1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear 1 x Ethernet (RJ-45) - Rear 3 x USB (4 pin USB Type A) 1 x SPDIF output (TOSLINK) - Rear 1 x Audio output (RCA phono x 2) - Rear | 2 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear 1 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear 1 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear 1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Side HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Rear 1 x Digital audio output (optical) (TOSLINK) - Rear 1 x Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear 1 x USB 2.0 (4 pin USB Type A) - Side 1 x Serial - Rear | HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Rear HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Side (RCA phono) - Rear (RCA phono) - Side Audio line-in - Rear Audio line-in - Side (RCA phono x 3) - Rear |
| Total output power | 20 Watt | 30 Watt | 20 Watt | Info unavailable |
| Weight | 63.9 lbs | 77.2 lbs | 59.5 lbs | 63.9 lbs |
| Image aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Diagonal size | 50 in | 55 in | 47 in | 46 in |
| Technology | Plasma (PDP) | TFT active matrix | LED-LCD | Plasma (NeoPDP) |
| Speaker(s) | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 15 Watt | 2 x Main channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt | 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Sound output mode | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Widescreen modes | Full Normal Conventional 4:3 Just Zoom | Info unavailable | 16:9 Conventional 4:3 Cinema Just Zoom | Full Normal |
| Product type | Plasma TV | LED-LCD | LED-LCD | Plasma TV |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 48 in x 13.2 in x 31.9 in - With stand | 52.4 in x 13 in x 35.2 in - With stand | 44.1 in x 1.4 in x 27.8 in - Without stand | 44.5 in x 14.1 in - With stand |
| Refresh rate | 600 Hz | 240 Hz | 240Hz | 600 Hz |
| HDCP compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Widescreen | Widescreen | Widescreen | Widescreen | Info unavailable |
| Display format | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| TV tuner presence | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PC interface | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | VGA (HD-15) | Info unavailable |
| Video interface | HDMI Component Composite | HDMI Component Composite | HDMI Component Composite | Info unavailable |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | ||||
Thank you! You listened and you delivered. I just wanted you to know I appreciate you taking the time to put this list together for us even though I know most people gravitate towards 3D TVs. Keep up the good work!
thoughts on the Vizio....
Do you think that the 2010 model XVT55SV is that much of an improvement (outside of the cosmetics) over the 2009 model? Stuck in analysis paralysis over getting the 2009 model cheap (1200 at dell) or spend the extra 400 on the 2010 model!